O.N.E launches “I Am A Veteran Campaign”
The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel – Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (O.N.E) – celebrates 70 years of taking care of Ireland’s Veterans. To mark the occasion it has launched a national campaign titled: “I Am A Veteran Campaign”, aimed at raising public awareness about veterans and the role they play in the workplace and their local communities.
With more than 100,000 former Permanent and Reserve Defence Force personnel across the country, the campaign celebrates the diversity and experiences of those who have served as well as highlighting the challenges many veterans have faced when returning to civilian life.
Speaking about the launch of the organisation’s milestone anniversary and the launch of the “I Am A Veteran” Campaign, Ollie O’Connor, CEO of ONE said:
“We are delighted to celebrate our 70th anniversary in tandem with the launch of the “I Am A Veteran” campaign. Through our new campaign, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) is highlighting our talented, highly skilled and diverse group of veterans, showcasing members who are making a difference in our communities and across Irish and international society.”
“One of our core purposes is to provide assistance to veterans who may be less fortunate. There is strength in numbers and the Defence Forces has a large alumni whose influence has yet to be realised in representing and assisting veterans around the country and we want to activate that potential. All veterans are welcome in ONE.”
The first video launched as part of the campaign features Amy O’Connor of Roscommon, a 22-year veteran and current Career and Life Coach specialising in military transitions. Amy’s experience of transitioning her military skills to civilian life demonstrates how veterans continue to strengthen the nation even after they retire their uniform.https://www.youtube.com/embed/IpWZXo9qSgk?feature=oembed
Other veterans who will be participating in the campaign include Dr. Cathal Berry, TD and Irish Olympic gold medal winner, Michael Carruth.
Over the past 70 years, ONE has grown to 37 branches across the country with 1,000 members and over 2,000 subscribers who donate annually. It currently operates 3 homes for homeless veterans in Dublin, Athlone and Letterkenny. Its fourth house is under construction in Cobh and a fifth house is planned for Cork City leading to a total of 60 single bedrooms nationwide for homeless veterans. Across its network, the organisation has accommodated approximately 1,000 since it opened its first home. The charity also operates 15 Veteran Supports Centres nationally with 2 full-time Veteran Support Officers employed providing counselling services.
The focus of ONE is centred on supporting veterans, providing comradeship, advocating on behalf of veterans and remembrance.
Letters of congratulations to the organisation were received from the organisation’s Patron and Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces, Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D Higgins, Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney T.D., the Secretary-General of the Department of Defence Ms. Jacqui McCrum, and the Defence Forces Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM.
For more information on ONE and the “I Am A Veteran” campaign, visit the ONE website at www.one-veterans.org.
About Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel
Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnelis a provider of Support, Comradeship, Advocacy and Remembrance (SCAR) for Irish Veterans. With 1,000 members across 37 branches, ONE is the recognised veterans organisation in Ireland. The charity operates a network of 3 homes for homeless veterans that provides emergency accommodation. The organisation also operates 15 Veteran Support Centres nationally with 2 full-time Veteran Support Officers.